February 13

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Retail Alliance and VECTEC Sponsor E-Commerce Series

February 13, 2004

Norfolk, VA - Online sales are increasing dramatically, and the trend continues to move upward. Businesses ready to establish a profitable online presence should plan to attend the Retail Alliance E-Commerce Series in March, featuring Internet experts from VECTEC, the Virginia Electronic Commerce Technology Center.

Nationwide, about 6.8 million households shopped online for the first time in 2003, contributing to healthy gains in online retail sales. Online sales topped $96 billion in 2003, up from $76 billion in 2002 and $51 billion in 2001. Although online purchases account for less than 5 percent of U.S. retail sales, they are projected to reach 10 percent by 2008.

This E-Commerce Series is designed to provide insight and knowledge for business owners to make smarter decisions in the evolving world of the Internet. All seminars will be held on Tuesdays at the Retail Alliance Conference Center, 5755 Poplar Hall Drive in Norfolk, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., with a complimentary breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. To register for these classes contact Kathy Ramella at (757) 455-9339 or email kramella@retail-alliance.com.

EDA Funds for Website Development (Norfolk businesses only) - March 9
Jeff Gayle, VECTEC Client Services Manager, will explain the City of Norfolk's Economic Development Grant Program for Norfolk private businesses and how to apply for the program.

How to Create Your Online Storefront - March 16
Megen McMichael, VECTEC Web Site Interface Systems Specialist, will provide a foundation for creating an online storefront that reflects and emphasizes a company's brick and mortar establishment. Learn about low cost and no cost options as well as the type of data required to make an online storefront a success. This discussion will also include examples of online storefronts as well as provide resources to assist businesses in reaching online storefront objectives.

Internet Marketing - March 23
Michelle Carpenter, VECTEC Education and Research Manager, will discuss new ways to market business on the Internet. Learn how to promote products through e-mail marketing, viral marketing and signature files. Maximize web site traffic through search engine optimization and linking. This presentation will include a case study on how VECTEC has utilized these strategies, as well as resources available through its research program.

Founded in Norfolk in 1903, Retail Alliance is a retail association and a sales agent for Equifax, providing businesses credit-related products and reporting, recovery services and mortgage credit reports. Retail Alliance serves its association partners with benefits that include retail lobbying, professional development, training, and discounted group buying. Over 2,000 Virginia and North Carolina businesses are partners or customers of Retail Alliance.

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